Wed Jun 18 01:00:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the text:

**NHL Stars Return as IIHF Releases 2026 Olympic Hockey Schedule**

**Milan & Cortina, Italy** – The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has officially released the schedule for the men’s and women’s hockey tournaments at the 2026 Winter Olympics, set to be held in Milan and Cortina. The announcement comes hot on the heels of teams revealing their first roster selections, fueling anticipation for the highly anticipated event.

The women’s tournament will kick off the action on February 5th, with a slate of games including a clash between the United States and Czechia, and Canada facing off against Finland. The U.S. and Canada will renew their storied rivalry in the preliminary round on February 10th, with the gold medal game scheduled for February 19th.

Men’s hockey begins February 6th, with the return of NHL players to the Olympic stage for the first time since 2014. Finland will take on Slovakia, while host nation Italy will face Sweden in the opening games. The United States, without Russia in the 12-team field, finds itself in a group with Germany, Latvia, and Denmark, and will begin their quest for gold against Latvia on February 12th. Canada will face Czechia the same day.

“It’s great that the NHL players are back in the Olympics,” said U.S. General Manager Bill Guerin. “Obviously it’s the biggest sports stage in the world, and we’re all happy we’re back involved.”

All teams will advance from group play, with the top four qualifying for the quarterfinals and the remaining eight teams competing in a qualification round. Games will be played on NHL-sized rinks at Milano Santagiulia and Milano Rho arenas. The men’s gold medal game is scheduled for February 22nd, serving as the final event of the Olympics before the closing ceremony.

The U.S. has already announced its first six roster selections: forwards Matthew Tkachuk, Brady Tkachuk, Auston Matthews, and Jack Eichel, along with defensemen Quinn Hughes and Charlie McAvoy.

Finland enters the tournament as the defending Olympic champion, having won gold in Beijing 2022 when NHL players were absent due to pandemic-related scheduling issues. Canada, looking to add to their Olympic legacy, is hoping for a third gold medal with NHL players participating.

“I’m excited about our group,” said Canada’s GM Doug Armstrong. “I know our group wants to go there and wants to put their best foot forward. There’s no guarantees in this sport, but I know we’re going to go with the right attitude.”

With the schedule set and rosters beginning to take shape, the stage is set for a thrilling Olympic hockey tournament in 2026.

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